02 septembre 2007
Ganesha Festival in Paris
Dear readers,
Today, the Ganesha Lord Festival has started in Paris in the 18th district where I live.It is my first festival and it sounds very interesting.
At 9:00 AM, a religious ceremony took place inside a Temple and at 11:00 AM, the parade composed of different cars and groups followed a route from Philippe de Girard street to Marcadet street and came back to the Temple around 3:00 PM.
For this festival, street are sprayed with rose water including saffron. The Ganesh and Murugan cars are pulled by nude feet believers (fideles). Men wear "vesti", long white costume whereas ladies wear "saree", lon coloured piece of fabric. Musicians and "cavadis" porters march past (defiler) on first position. Then, ladies bearing fired camphor presents followed the parade.
On the road, a lot of coconuts are layed so that being broken when the cars arrive.
** The point of view of a specialist of hindouism about the festival : How to celebrate the great Ganesha festival
From Subhamo Dass (http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/a/ganeshchaturthi.htm)
A life-like clay model of Lord Ganesha is made 2-3 months prior to the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The size of this idol may vary from 3/4th of an inch to over 25 feet.
On the day of the festival, it is placed on raised platforms in homes or in elaborately decorated outdoor tents for people to view and pay their homage. The priest, usually clad in red silk dhoti and shawl, then invokes life into the idol amidst the chanting of mantras. This ritual is the pranapratishhtha. After this the shhodashopachara (16 ways of paying tribute) follows. Coconut, jaggery, 21 modakas (rice flour preparation), 21 durva (trefoil) blades and red flowers are offered. The idol is anointed with red unguent (rakta chandan). Throughout the ceremony, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda and Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted.
For 10 days, from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi, Ganesha is worshipped.
On the 11th day, the image is taken through the streets in a procession accompanied with dancing, singing, to be immersed in a river or the sea symbolizing a ritual see-off of the Lord in his journey towards his abode in Kailash while taking away with him the misfortunes of all man. All join in this final procession shouting "Ganapathi Bappa Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya" (O father Ganesha, come again early next year). After the final offering of coconuts, flowers and camphor is made, people carry the idol to the river to immerse it.
The whole community comes to worship Ganesha in beautifully done tents. These
also serve as the venue for free medical checkup, blood donation camps, charity
for the poor, dramatic performances, films, devotional songs, etc. during the
days of the festival.
SOME WORDS ABOUT GANESHA
Extract from: http://www.angelfire.com/id/croon/india/ganesha.html
GANESHA is easily the most popular god in India
and is the one you pray to when launching new projects. On wedding
invitations, at street come shrines, in carved doorway and in every
temple -- Ganesha is everywhere in the Hindu world. He is worshipped
before any venture is started. He is obviously important to Hindus and
non-Hindus alike -- the question is, why? There are of course many
answers to this question. Perhaps, Ganesha's popularity stems from the fact that he is the
most physical of the major gods: Ganesha is the closest to the material
plane of consciousness, most able to assist us in our day-to-day life
and concerns.
The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha has an elephantine countenance
with a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a
human being. He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and
obstacles. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities
(Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose idolatry
is glorified as the panchayatana puja. Ganesha's life cycle is broken
into eight main incarnations, based on the accounts of the Ancient
Hindu classics.
SOME INTERESTING WEBSITE ABOUT GANESHA, HIS LEGEND...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha
http://www.cix.co.uk/~ganesh/ganesha.htm
http://www.hindunet.org/god/Gods/ganesh/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week804/belief.html
http://www.indiantemples.com/beliefs/ganesha.html
A GLIMPSE ON ANOTHER BELIEF
** The syamantaka jewel
It is said that anyone who looks at the moon on the night of the Ganesh Chaturthi will be falsely charged with theft or a similar crime. If someone inadvertently sees the moon on this night, he/she may remedy the situation by listening to (or reciting) the story of the syamantaka jewel. This story may be found in the Puranas such as the Bhagavata and the Vishnu. Briefly, Satrajit, who secured a jewel syamantaka from Surya, did not part with it even when Krishna the Lord of Dvaraka, asked for it saying it would be safe with Him. Prasena, the brother of Satrajit went out hunting wearing the jewel but was killed by a lion. Jambavan of Ramayana fame killed the lion and gave it to his son to play with. When Prasena did not return, Satrajit falsely accused Krishna of killing Prasena for the sake of the jewel.
Krishna, in order to remove the stain on His reputation, set out in search of the jewel and found it in Jambavan's cave, with his child. Jambavan attacked Krishna thinking Him to be an intruder who had come to take away the jewel. They fought each other for 28 days, when Jambavan, his whole body terribly weakened from the hammering of Krishna's fists, finally recognised Him as Rama.
I now know You. You are the life in all creatures, virility, grit and strength. You are Vishnu, the Primeval Lord, All-prevailing, the Supreme Lord (of the worlds). (Bhagavata 10.56.26)
He Who built a bridge (across the ocean) that is a standing monument to His fame, set Lanka ablaze, and with His arrows severed the heads of Rakshasas, which fell to the ground.
As repentance for his having fought Krishna, Jambavan gave Krishna the jewel and also his daughter Jambavati in marriage. Krishna returned to Dvaraka with Jambavati and the jewel, and returned it Satrajit, who in turn repented for his false accusation. He promptly offered to give Krishna the jewel and his daughter Satyabhama in marriage. Krishna accepted Satyabhama as His wife but did not accept the jewel.
In the event one is not even able to listen to or read the story, the following mantra may be recited holding some water in the palm of the right hand. The water is then to be sipped.
A lion killed Prasena; the lion was killed by Jambavan. Don't cry, O dear child! This syamantaka jewel is yours.
Excerpted from an article by Anand Hudli (ahudli@silver.ucs.indiana.edu).
Well, that is it for today!
Talk about another subject soon!
With best wishes,
Ceraulen
01 mars 2007
Chinese New Year Parade in Paris - 13th district
Dear readers,
Last Sunday, the Chinese New Year Parade took place in the 13th district. Even if the rain was not invited, it came suddenly at the end of the afternoon. Anyway, happiness, smiles, multicoloured costumes and good mood flew around us.
Chinese New Year in Paris has become one of the city's most popular annual events. Paris has a large and thriving French-Chinese community whose cultural influence grows stronger all the time. Parisians of all stripes eagerly crowd the streets of South Paris each year to witness a cheerful procession of dancers and musicians, vibrantly-hued dragons and fish, and elegant flags embossed with Chinese characters. Boisterous Chinese restaurants are packed to the brim with locals and tourists, and the night set may include special theatrical or musical performances or even film festivals. A truly unique experience.
Parades are a tradition imported by the Chinese people when they emigrated in foreign countries.
All the symbols from China are gathered during this parade: red colour for happiness, yellow colour for the Emperor, vans, lanterns and of course, dragons!
Let us discover a few pictures of this parade:
In China, it is rather a family gathering and the equivalent of our western Christmas and New Year.
Let us read an interesting article on this topic!
CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITION
Extract from: http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/traditions/
Chinese
Culture is rich in its culture and traditions . They have their own
beliefs and New Year traditions , which they follow ardently. Although
the Chinese New Year , Nian, lasts only two or three days including the
Chinese New Year's Eve, the Chinese New Year season extends from the
mid-twelfth month
of the previous year to the middle of the first month of the new year.
A month from the onset of the Chinese New Year, it is supposed to be a
good time for business. People will pour
out their money to buy presents, decoration material, food and clothing.
It is the Chinese New Year tradition that every family gives its house
a thorough cleaning, hoping to sweep away all the ill-fortune there may
have been in the family to make way for the wishful in-coming good
luck. People also give their doors and window-panes a new paint,
usually in red color. They decorate the doors and windows with
paper-cuts and couplets with the very popular theme of
"happiness", "wealth",
"logevity" and "satisfactory marriage with
more children". Paintings of the same theme are put up in the
house on top of the newly mounted wallpaper. In the old days, it was a
Chinese New year tradition to distribute various kinds of food at the
alta of ancestors.
The Eve of the Chinese New Year is very carefully observed. Supper is a
feast, with all members coming together. One of the most popular
Chinese New year tradition course is “jiaozi”, dumplings boiled in
water. "Jiaozi" in Chinese literally mean "sleep together and have
sons", a long-lost good wish for a family. After dinner, it is time for
the whole family to sit up for the night while having fun playing cards
or board games or watching TV programs dedicated to the occasion. It is
also a tradition to keep every light on the whole night. At midnight,
fireworks will light up the whole sky as people's excitement reach its
zenith.
Very early the next morning, children greet their parents and receive their presents in terms of cash wrapped up in red paper packages from them. Then, the family starts out to say greetings from door to door, first to their relatives and then to their neighbors. This Chinese New Year tradition is a great way to reconcile forgetting all old grudges. The air is permeated with warmth and friendliness. During and several days following the New Year's day, people are visiting each other, with a great deal of exchange of gifts. The New Year atmosphere is brought to an anti-climax fifteen days away when the Festival of Lanterns sets in. It is an occasion of lantern shows and folk dances everywhere. One typical food is the Tang Yuan, another kind of dumplings made of sweet rice rolled into balls and stuffed with either sweet or spicy fillings. This tradition is also specially followed on Chinese New Year time.
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year season and afterwards life becomes daily routines once again. Traditions of the Chinese New Year vary from place to place, considering that China is a big country not only geographically, but also demographically and ethnically. Yet, the spirit underlying the diverse celebrations of the Chinese New Year is the same: a sincere wish of peace and happiness for the family members and friends.
A few words about the Pig sign ...
Years of the Boar (Pig)
Born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959,
1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Extract from: THE SIGN OF THE PIG
http://www.chinatownconnection.com/chinese-new-year.html
The Pig type is usually an honest, straightforward (loyal, franc) and patient person. He/she
is a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When
others despair, he/she is often there to offer support. This type of person is
reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain
confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person
behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of pig having a
wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who
understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put
trust in pig type; he/she won't let you down and will never even attempt to do
so. Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms.
It is important to remember that these people are not vengeful creatures. If
someone tries to take advantage of him/her, the pig type tend to withdraw to
reflect on the problem and protect themselves. All they need in such situations
is a little time to find a constructive way to respond. The people of the pig
type are conservative creatures of habit. They dislike being made to travel too
far from familiar surroundings, unless it is a trip to the countryside. They
love nature and are never happier than when they are out somewhere, far from the
city.
There is a tolerant and peaceful side to their character. Such people are never
afraid to allow others their freedom of expression; they do not want to cause
arguments and if there is any way to avoid arguing, they will probably take this
option. They are not weak, however, and if the situation forces them to fight
these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or
those close to them. People of the Pig type are the most admired by others.
Some links about Chinese New Year:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
- Fiercy launch for Chinese New Year: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6368383.stm
- Chinese zodiac calls for volatile period on planet: http://www.suntimes.com/news/world/261666,CST-NWS-pig18a.article - Chinese New Year is all about tradition:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/01/25/FDGOSGQ21E1.DTL
- Overseas Chinese celebrate new year:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-02/19/content_5756950.htm
祝 大家 新 年 快 乐 ！
Happy Spring Festival/New Year
to each of you!
With best wishes,
Ceraulen
30 octobre 2006
Bombaysers from Lille
Dear all,
Pleased to come back to Paris and had the opportunity to enjoy a short week-end in my hometown near Lille, in North of France. A great event takes place until January 14th, 2007 and I really enjoyed walking along Lille city to discover exhibition linked to India, Elephants Rambla, Bombay Station.
Indeed, two years after the success of Lille 2004 where we could discover a Chinese Tea House in front of the Commerce & Industry Chamber, advertising lights in Faidherbe Street, the main street of the city, now Lille celebrates India, the future Asian Giant and its culture, modernity and traditions.
Let us discover together some extracts of the official website of the event: www.lille3000.com
BOMBAYSERS DE LILLE > PRESENTATION
lille3000 in 2006 > Destination India!
The multiple facets of India - at the crossroads of art and modernity - represent the heart of the first edition of lille3000. We will be able to enjoy metamorphoses in the city, artists’ installations, exhibitions, cinema, performances and parades, tastes of Bangalore, Bombay (Mumbai), Brick Lane… and Finland.
Another recurrent theme of lille3000 is the avant-garde, with visions of the future interlinking with the Indian events. Examples include Les modernités recyclées, La Maison de l’Energie Vitale and the Futurotextiles exhibition, where innovation and technology come together in interaction with contemporary art.
OPENING CELEBRATION (shown on TV)
14 OCTOBER 2006 starts at 19.30
La Parade (Opening Parade) > Lille city centre
Switch on to India all night long, starting from seven-thirty in the evening! As a gateway to India and three months of special events, the opening Parade will be the first chance to discover the cultural vibrancy of this multi-coloured continent. Bollywood will meet the festive traditions of the Nord-Pas de Calais region of France.
Along the Ramblas of Lille city centre, join in with thousands of dancers, musicians, falleros, plus the famous giants from the region and India, in a great festive beginning to the Bombaysers de Lille event.
Inspired by Diwali, “the Festival of Lights”, the Parade is an invitation to a joyous celebration of the meeting of the cultures of the north of France and India. Starting at the Lille Flandres train station, Nitin Desai’s elephants provide the decor for the wanderings of Indian giants, giants from Flanders and the beautiful Fallas. Whilst evoking Lille’s Spanish heritage, the Fallas will wear Indian colours to recall figures of Shiva and Vishnu mythology. Marching bands from Rajasthan, joined by brass bands from the north of France, will be accompanied by hundreds of dancers coached by José Montalvo. Dancers and visitors will join together in enjoying a great evening, in celebration of the cultures of India and the North of France.
Later on, Indian DJs positioned in different points across the city centre of Lille will keep the street party hot and frenzied far into the night.
Diwali, The Festival of Lights
Among the many festivals in India, Diwali is by far the most important. Each year, over a period of five days around the time of the “black moon”, the noise of fireworks announces these much-loved celebrations. People offer gifts, sweets and jewellery. Mango leaves decorate doorways, frescos made from coloured rice powder are laid out on the floor to welcome guests to the home, and thousands of lamps illuminating the streets contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Let us introduce you some pictures I took this week-end:
The old "bourse" - Stock Exchange place - Nowadays, you can find a lot of "bouquinistes" (second-hand booksellers) as along the Seine in Paris.
A general view of the center.
Some pictures from the exbition "BOMBAYVISION"
Some other websites on Lille 3000 (in French):
http://www.connaitresfr.fr/data/master/webfile/829404857424c0f88aeb97.pdf
http://www2b.ac-lille.fr/arts-plastiques/ressources_2005/3000_Dossier_enseignants.pdf
http://www.indeaparis.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=313
http://nord-pas-de-calais-picardie.france3.fr/lille3000/
Encourage you to dicover Lille city and the main locations dedicated to India.
With best Bombay kisses,
Ceraulen
10 octobre 2006
Montmartre Vineyard Festival
Dear all,
Hope you enjoyed your week end. As fas as I am concerned I went to the annual wine harvest festival in Montmartre. It is a village, the village where I have been living for 6 years now, a real village with its own tourism office, its small streets and its vineyard.
Montmartre is a district in the 18th area of Paris, famous for its bohemian way of living in the 19th century.
It is the village where now and then painters and portrait painters sheltered from (a l’abri de) the Sacre-Coeur dome live. Painters lead a free and easy life (mener une vie de boheme), especially in taverns (cabarets), cafes.
All along the 19th century, artists, men of letters (hommes de lettres) were attracted by this vividness and free life on the hillock (butte) : Berlioz, De Nerval, Murger, Heine, Renoir, Cezanne, Toulouse-Lautrec and nowadays, Appolinaire, Celine, Reverdy, Lelouch...
The first poetic Circle became concert cafe where we could listen songs from Aristide Bruant, poetry from Charles Cros and Jehan Rictus, humoristic speeches from Alphonse Allais or discover the drawings from Caran d’Ache or Andre Gill.
Until the Second World War, the Butte (hillock) was considered thanks to “Le Lapin Agile” tavern and “Le bateau Lavoir” on top of the Parisian litterary and artistic trend (courant, tendance). Afterwards, Montparnasse led whereas Montmartre sunk on “night pleasures”.
Concerning the Clos Montmartre (vineyard), we can find documents related on it from 944 after JC. Until the end of 18th century, the Montmartre Vineyard took wings (prendre son essor) as the “abbesses” (ladies from abbey) accepted their lands to farmed (exploiter – pour une terre) providing (a condition de) to plant vineyards.
White then red, sweet or strong, Montmartre wine was a high quality one. Each year to celebrate the coronation (couronnement) anniversary, abbesses offered 1,000 liters to the King. Three quarters of the hillock are covered by vineyard. At this period the vintage wines (grand cru) called “Goutte d’Or”, “Sacalie” or “Sauvageonne”. A few years later, they became only one kind of wine called “Picolo of Montmartre”.
After a very successful period, the Montmartre vineyard was dethroned (detroner) by other vineyards and little by little vinestocks (cep de vigne) had disappeared.
In the 1930ies, Montmartre discovered again vineyard. In 1934, the first modern harvest took place with the support of Albert Lebrun, the French President and sponsored by Fernandel and Mistinguett.
Since then, every year, in October, we celebrate the Montmartre wine harvest festival. For three days, popular celebrations are welcome. The vineyard Miss, VIPs or artists sponsored the event.
Nowadays, the Montmartre vineyard belongs to the Paris Town Council (mairie). You can buy bottles of Montmartre Vineyard and the amount of your purchase is offered to charitable institutions.
Some information linked to Montmartre Vineyard:
Name: Clos Montmartre
2004 production: 430 liters, 850 bottles
Surface: 1,556 square meter
Vinestock: gamay Beaujolais, Black Pinot, Seiçbel, Couderc, Seyve, Black and white Villard, others
Age: since 1932
Number : 1,762 vinestocks
You can find below some pictures about the vineyard parade which took place on last Saturday. Enjoy them!
The little "poulbot" and above the different "confreries"
"Gilles" and majorettes
Michou, the famous owner of the "transformism" cabarets was the King of the festival as 2006 vineyard tributes to him (rendre hommage)
For further information about Montmartre:
http://www.montmartrenet.com/article.php?id_article=64
http://www.paris-on-line.com/eng/turisme/par_18.htm
http://www.escc.se/misc/Paris.html
http://www.waitrose.com/food_drink/wfi/drinks/wineproducers/0004040.asp
With best wishes,
Ceraulen
02 octobre 2006
The Triumph Arch Lucien Barriere Prize
Dear readers,
Yesterday was an uncredible day as the famous Triumph Arch Lucien Barriere Prize, le Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere in French at Longchamps racecourse (hippodrome), 85th edition took place. It is considered as the summit meeting (rendez-vous au sommet) of the gallop first-class (elite du galop).
This international long-awaited (attendu) event, the Triumph Arch Lucien Barriere Prize is above all the real final of the world thoroughbred (cheval pur sang) championship.
It is undeniably the most appreciated horse racing for all entertainement passionate people as they come from all parts of the world to see a champion recognization (consecration) in a delicate, refined (raffine) atmosphere.
The Lucien Barriere Group is the official partner of this event. It is a privileged alliance between a prestigious race horsing and one of the greatest representative for the hotel trade and luxury casinos. This exclusive partnerships is based on common worths such as glamour, elegance and French art of living.
This Prize lets our country to be nominated among the most important horse racing organizer.
About 50,000 people are gathered for this event, about 15,000 British coming to celebrate thoroughbred horses and this year 6,000 Japanese coming to support the number 1 blouse (casaque), Deep Impact belonging to Kaneko Makoto Holdings Co Ltd.
This horse racing is broadcasted in 191 countries that means concerned about 1 thousand million (1 milliard) of televiewers.
A efficient team composed of specialists is in charge of this broadcasting:- 200 TV technicians
- 300 cameras on the racecourse
- 6 geant screens
- French and foreign channels (BBC, Dubai TV, Orbit TV in Dubai, RAI in Italy, Plaza Media in Germany, NHK in Japan...)
Some details about the Triumph Arch Lucien Barriere Prize:
Prize of 2 millions euros shared between the 5 winners
This race concerns 3-years and below horses and mares (juments) – Weight: for 3 years – 56kg for the jockey – 4 years and below: 59 kg ½ - 2,400 meters
A piece of art is offered to the champion’s owner, a souvenir for the coach, the training horseman and the stockbreeder (eleveur).
Blouse 1: DEEP IMPACT (Japan) – Jockey: Y. Take – 59,5 kg
Blouse 2: HURRICANE Run (Ireland) – Jockey: KF Fallon – 59,5 kg
Blouse 3: SHIROCCO (Germany) – Jockey: C. Soumillon – 59,5 kg
Blouse 4: PRIDE - Jockey: CP. Lemaire – 58 kg
Blouse 5: RAIL LINK (GB) – Jockey: S. Pasquier – 56 kg
Blouse 6: SIXTIES ICON (GB) – Jockey: L. Dettori – 56 kg
Blouse 7: IRISH WELLS – Jockey: D. Boeuf – 56 kg
Blouse 8: BEST NAME (GB) – Jockey: O. Peslier – 56 kg
The winners were 5, 4 and finally the Japanese in blouse 1.
Different stages of horse racing
As I do not know if you are familiar or not with horse racing, I will introduce you in a few words the different stages of horse racing. In fact, I have always been attracted by horses and would like to learn how to ride on, maybe one day, who knows. Last year, I had the opportunity to see and bet on the Vermeille Prize and won some euros.
This year I have had the great priviledge to see the most interesting Prize with friends. Very interesting and surprising.
Well, the first step before the race takes part 10 mn before the race. All the horses can show off and the potential punters (parieurs) can be reassured or not in their choice after looking the different horses, seeing if they are nervous.
The betting area is opened then or you can also use the electronic betting machine to do so. You need to take care about the “rapport”, the quotation of the horse to bet on the best way.
Then, the race starts and you can have a look on the giant screen to have an idea about the rank of your favourite horse.
Finally, the arrival is “the” most exciting moment as everyone encourages his preferred horse, shouts...
After a few minutes, the final results are displayed on the screen and if you have won, you are invited to get back your winning (gain).
The winner prize ceremony takes place and official photographers took numerous pictures. TV channels interviews the owner, the jockey or VIP such as Omar Sharif... It is like a royal event as the horse, its jockey, owner, coach draw everyone’s attention.
My feelings
As a lot of invitations were distributed all around Paris, there were a lot a “normal” people in the crowd. I was quite surprised to live a real half-breed (metisse) experience as the high-class people, owners were not so separated from the others as I can see last year.
There were a lot of champagne bars, fashionable hats and elegant dresses. Also we found a jazz quartet, a hats shop, a Japanese information center, a brass band (fanfare), an international gathering of very different people there to live and share the same passion for this race.
A real and pleasant moment in the horse’s universe, a exciting moment I recommend you to live.
For further information about the history of this race and others:
http://www.france-galop.com/PROMO/pxgb.htm
http://www.prixarcdetriomphe.com/prixarc-no.htm
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/journal/full_edition.cgi?print=
With best wishes,
Ceraulen
25 septembre 2006
Andre Citroen Park
Dear readers, hi Cassandre and thanks for your message !
To give full scope to (donner libre cours a) the 10th anniversary of Parisian gardens, I discovered this week-end two worthwhile (qui valent la peine) places and would like to share with you my feelings.
The first one is the Andre Citroen Park (138,800 m²) – Subway: Line 10 Javel, Line 8 Lourmel or RER C Javel, Bd Victor Hugo
I was really impressed about a such modern architectural area which was created on the 1990ies. Indeed, you can find several areas for kids, sport grounds, tennis tables, available lawns (pelouses).
Its avant-garde mission began since 1777 when the little fishing harbour named Javel was changed into a factory of chemical products.
Count from Artois who became Charles 10th in 1824 made the famous desinfectant water (Javel water) produced there. This success attracted numerous other industrialists until the arrival at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1915, of Andre Citroen’s manufacture.
This engineer was specialized in munitions and the production reached 20,000 shells (obus) a day. After the end of the First World War, his manufacture was converted to the famous cars industry.
In 1958, the town council decided to give the name of Andre Citroen to Quai de Javel. In 1982, the manufacture moved to Neuilly-sur-Seine.
Citroen manufacture was located in 24 hectares and the park opened in 1992. It was realized by landscape gardeners and architect Alain Provost, Gilles Clement, Patrick Berger, Jean-Paul Viguier and Francois Jodry. 43,000 m3 of compost (terre, terreau) were necessary. Nowadays, the inhabitants of the 15th district can take advantage of 13 m² of green area and 5 trees per inhabitant.
Three parts:
- The White garden dedicated to walk and plays where plants of white colours create a light atmosphere.
- The Black garden: a small square with 64 water jets
- A central park where you can sit down on the grass in every season
You can also discover two transparent greenhouses (serres) of 15m high. The first one is considered as the “orangerie” from October to April, the other shelters (proteger, abriter) plants from Mediterranean climate.
For the rest, I let you have a look by yourself. To give you a better idea, some pictures...
The second one was the shooting lodge (pavillon de chasse) from the Bagatelle Park. For your reference, pls have a look on my blog to the article dated August 6th on this subject.
In fact, the shooting lodge can only be visited on Sundays. It gives you a real idea about the way of life of the 18th century in France in royal family or aristocracy.
Actually, far from Versailles, the aristocracy gives priority to comfort and beauty, elegance, a home sweet home with delicate and fine furnitures, odds and ends (bibelots)... The appearance was really important and all was codified like the different stages of libertine life we can read on “The dangerous affair” (Les liaisons dangereuses) from Choderlos de Laclos. It is also the meeting between the intellectual movement (Les Lumieres) and pleasures of life...
Will talk to you soon. Do not forget next Sunday, the Grand Prix Lucien Barriere at Longchamps!
With best wishes,
Ceraulen
23 septembre 2006
Celebrate Parisian gardens! 10th anniversary
Dear readers,
Just a few words to draw your attention on this week-end celebration on gardens in Paris. It will be the 10th anniversary and if you live in Paris or suburbs, have the opportunity to discover or walk in green spaces and gardens thanks to guided tours, organized hikes, workshops for kids...
Some ideas:
- Kitchen garden at the Cite Internationale des Arts - 18, rue de l'Hotel de ville - rue des Nonnais d'Hyeres - Subway Pont Marie
- Jardin des Plantes - Rue Cuvier - Place Valhubert - Subway: Gare d'Austerlitz
- Jardin du Luxembourg - Subway: Notre Dame des Champs or RER Luxembourg
- Garden of the Rodin Museum - 77, rue de Varenne - Subway: Varenne, Invalides
- Monceau Park - Boulevard de Courcelles - Subway: Monceau
- Parc de Bercy - Village of the Gardens celebration - Subway: Cour St Emilion or Bercy
- Parc Montsouris - RER Cite Universitaire
- Parc Andre Citroen - 43, rue Corvisart, rue Emile Deslandres - RER Javel
- Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil - 1 bis, avenue de la Porte d'Auteuil - Subway: Porte d'Auteuil
- Cimetaries of Montmartre, Pere Lachaise
Another idea will be to visit the following:
- Quai Branly Museum dedicated to arts and civilizations from Africa, Asia, America, Oceania - Exhibition "Qu'est-ce qu'un corps? What is a body?", "D'un regard a l'autre, From one sight to another". From Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM - closed at 9:30 PM on Thursday. Price: 8.50 euros, reduced price: 6 euros, free for unemployed - www.quaibranly.fr
- Sea Life Aquarium - RER Val d'Europe 14, cours du Danube - Activities for children - Food for sharks - www.sealifeeurope.com
During the heritage days, last week, I visited the Paris town hall. Really fabulous, a small Versailles! It is possible to take advantage from a tour after taking an appointment at 01.42.76.50.46. You can discover the modern office of the mayor, the classical office from his assistant...
Also worth being visited, the Middle Age Museum (Cluny) closed to Saint-Michel in Paris at the Cluny-La Sorbonne station. The garden is also very nice and peaceful...
Wish you a pleasant week-end!
With best wishes,
Ceraulen
06 août 2006
A look on the Bagatelle Park near Paris
{ Dear readers,
Do not have any hesitation to write down your comments on the contents of this blog! That will help me improving and selecting subjects.
Well, it is summer time and on Sunday, going out is a good idea. We will continue studying the intercultural relationaships later.
If you like walking, picturesque and romantic areas, I advise you going in the marvellous Bagatelle Park, very closed to Paris.
GLIMPSE ON THE BAGATELLE PARK
If you have the chance to live in Paris or in suburbs, you cannot ignore the name of the Bagatelle Park. Indeed, every year a famous roses contest takes place in June to award the new ones.
Even if I have been living in Paris for 6 years now, I discovered recently this place... I talked about it around me and noticed most of my friends did not know such beauties were so reachable from Paris. It is a shame!
So if you are in another country or in France in another place, do not have any regret on this matter and just discover with us!
In a word,the Bagatelle Park is a heritage from the 18th century, built under Louis XVI brother’s command. Originally this area included a small castle and a 10 hectares garden in the British-Chinese style so totally 16 hectares.
Bought in 1835 by Louis-Philippe to Lord Seymour, the park reached 24 hectares between 1855 and 1860 thanks to Lord Seymour’s adopted son, Richard Wallace. This one invited the landscape gardener Varé to create the garden in accordance with the current trends.
Finally, Paris city purchased it in 1905. Another landscape gardner, Jean-Nicolas Forestier is required to simplify the garden and created among others the well-known rose garden instead of plantations.
Nowadays, the Bagatelle Park is an official botanical garden of Paris city. Its park is a real resumé of the gardens art for the three last centuries.
You can find a Trianon, a small castle, a small waterfall, the famous rose garden, a kitchen garden near a rustic cottage. It can seem also surprising to discover peacocks free to move in the rose garden, swans on the waterfall...
A real gift for the lover of nature and lovers in general as it is such a romantic place.
Let you discover and come back to me if you like this kind of place!
You can find hepful information to go there on the following links:
http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Paris/Parks_Gardens/Bagatelle.shtml
http://www.v1.paris.fr/en/visiting/gardens/parc_bagatelle.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concours_international_de_roses_nouvelles_de_Bagatelle
http://www.rosarosam.com/gardens/bagatelle/bagatelle_detail.html
http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/gd.php?n=136
Some of my pictures to give you an overview :
The Trianon A peacock Swan and waterfall
Enjoy this Sunday and write down for you soon!
With best wishes,
Ceraulen